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In addition to all of the attractions that the cities of the Tampa Bay region offer, the area is also home to numerous national and state parks and preserves. With pleasant weather almost year round, any time is a good time to visit the parks and preserves in Tampa Bay. Here are four that we think you should check out sooner rather than later.

DeSoto National Memorial

The National Park system is turning 100 years old this year and national parks are hosting events all year to mark the occasion. This memorial is located in Bradenton and commemorates the quest to settle Florida by Spanish Conquistador Hernando de Soto and the indigenous people who defended their homeland. The park features reenactments, walking tours, and kayaking excursions. | Website | Bradenton, FL

Hillsborough River State Park

This park became one of Florida’s first state parks when it opened in 1938. The park is home to a replica of an original Second Seminole War military fort called Fort Foster. The park features structures that are quintessential of the Civilian Conservation Corps who built many parks and natural preserves during the Great Depression. In addition to enjoying the history of the park, visitors can camp, hike, swim, bike, canoe, and kayak in the park. | Website | Thonotosassa, FL

via Flickr user Diane Bourgault

Little Manatee River State Park

The park is home to several unique ecosystems and can be enjoyed by hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, and camping. It highlights the Little Manatee River that is one of the few rivers in Florida that has not be altered by dredging or canals. The park boasts six and a half miles of hiking trails and fifteen miles of equestrian trails. | Website | Wimauma, FL

Egmont Key State Park

This state park is mainly a wildlife preserve and is only accessible by boat as it is an island located in the mouth of the Tampa Bay, southwest of the DeSoto National Memorial. In addition to the natural attractions, the park also highlights the history of the Seminole Indian tribe and activity of the U.S. Navy during the Civil War and Spanish – American War. The lighthouse on the island has stood since 1858. Visitors are reminded that the island is remote and they should bring their own supplies such as water, food, and sunscreen. | Website | St. Petersburg, FL

Editor’s note: This post was originally published April 2016. It has since been updated with the most recent information and edited for clarity & cohesiveness.

Visitors and new and old residents alike may get wrapped up in all that Tampa and the surrounding areas have to offer during the day. There are the beaches, national and state parks, and camping. It can be easy to forget what the area offers for night life as well. We have places you’ll want to check out for a night out.

Straz Center For the Performing Arts

The Straz Center is a world class performance arts center located on the Hillsborough River right in Tampa. The center is host to entertainment ranging from Broadway shows to popular concerts to classic music and opera performances. In addition to providing exciting shows for all interests, the center is home to three restaurants: Maestro’s Restaurant, Maestro’s Cafe (buffet style dining) and Maestro’s on the River (light fare). There’s also a coffee shop you can grab a dessert and coffee after the show. For a list of upcoming shows and more information visit: www.strazcenter.org.

Centro YBOR

Located in the historic Ybor City neighborhood of Tampa, Centro YBOR offers multiple options for night life including a movie theater, The Tampa Improv, and GameTime Mega Arcade. In addition to the main entertainment attractions, there are ten restaurants that range from fine dining to pub style. Check out their website for the latest events and deals: www.centroybor.com.

Ferg’s Live

A fun new addition to the Tampa night life scene is Ferg’s Live, an 8,000 square feet venue catering to the younger crowds. It host live music acts, has 60 flat screen TVs for a variety of sport events, and a restaurant that features fun bar fare. You can also host your private party at the venue. More information about upcoming acts and events can be found on their website: www.fergslive.com.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino offers a day and night full of entertainment. The casino offers 24 hour table gaming and slot machines, the hotel features rooms & suites, shopping options, a spa, and multiple venues for musical and comedy acts. There are also fine and casual dining restaurants and bars and lounges where you can grab a drink or snack. For reservations, events, and more information visit: www.seminolahardrocktampa.com

Circo’s Speakeasy & Supper Club

Located along Tampa’s Bayshore Boulevard, Circo’s taps into Prohibition-era decor and drink crafting to bring its customers a unique experience. The decor is dark and comfortable and jazz & blues music plays softly over the club. The club also has a full sit down menu. You’ll need to call for reservations and the day’s password. More details can be found at www.cirostampa.com.

The Tampa Bay area offers a wide range of night life options for whatever your mood style is. What’s your favorite place for a night out?

Nothing is more quintessential than hitting the sand and surf when you’re in Tampa Bay. Millions of people flock to Florida every year to enjoy the white sands and clear blue water and there are so many to choose from in the area. So how do you choose which one to visit? We’ve rounded up the five best beaches in Tampa Bay that offer something for everyone.

Clearwater Beach

If you’re looking for a lively, younger crowd with plenty of amenities and nearby attractions Clearwater Beach is for you. The beaches are meticulously cleaned and groomed and was voted “Best Florida Beach” by USA Today readers in 2013. Visitors can enjoy dolphin watching, charter activities, and fishing. Restaurants, night-clubs, and hotels are all conveniently located nearby. Pier 60 is home to the daily sunset celebration.

St. Pete Beach

This beach was voted “One of America’s Top 10 Best Beach Towns” in 2013 by Parents magazine. The beach features the white sands you’d expect at a Gulf Coast beach but it also has a myriad of amenities including restaurants, cabana rentals, and jet ski rentals. There is also nearby Corby Avenue which is home to many historic attractions.

Treasure Island

Want a quieter beach day? Treasure Island is your beach. Want a busy day of shopping and sunning? Treasure Island is your beach. The beach is wide and offers something for everyone. The Sunshine Beach and Sunset Beach areas are more secluded and quieter than other areas of the island. St. John’s Pass offers a variety of shopping and eatery options. Alcohol is also allowed on some parts of the beach but be sure to check which areas before you pack up your cooler.

Fort DeSoto Park

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast Fort DeSoto is for you. Not only is it a beach but you can also camp within the park. The beach is protected by a lagoon and sandbars which makes for calm waters, perfect for families with younger children. There are also biking and walking trails and fishing piers.

Caladesi Island Park

There is no other beach as postcard perfect as the beaches at Caladesi Island Park. The sand is powdery white and the water is that aquamarine color that people expect when visiting Florida beaches. There are few amenities here since the beach’s main purpose is as a nature sanctuary. The downside to this beach is that it is only accessible by boat but to bask in the beauty of the island, it’s a minor inconvenience.

Are you looking to break out of the tired cliches of dinner, chocolates, and flower’s this Valentine’s Day? We have 5 romantic spots in Tampa Bay that fit the bill and fit your budget. Plan your day to enjoy what the Tampa Bay area has to offer in the romance department with your special someone.

A Streetcar NamedDesire. Take a ride on one of the yellow street cars running between Downtown Tampa and Ybor City. This throwback mode of transportation will provide you with affordable access to museums, attractions, and restaurants. Fare is $5 for an all day pass.

Take a stroll. In recent years, St. Petersburg’s Beach Drive has seen an increase in the number of restaurants and shops dotting its length. Take a walk with your Valentine, window shop, or grab a bite to eat.

Pack a picnic. Vinoy Watefront Park in St. Petersburg is 1.16 acres sectioned off on the Tampa Bay. The park offers wide open spaces of green grass and shaded benches. Enjoy your meal or snacks while taking in the views of Tampa and the water wildlife (dolphins are known to swim in the Bay).

Watch the sunset. Fort De Soto is situated on Mullet Key, a barrier island near the edge of St. Petersburg. This location offers a perfect spot to cap off a romantic day (or get one started) by watching the sunset over Tampa Bay. The weather conditions can add amazing colors to the sky. Parking is $5.

Gaze up at the stars. No matter what time of day, you can view the stars at Saunder’s Planetarium in Tampa. The planetarium will showcase the night skies of several romantic cities including Paris, Buenos Aires, and Fiji.

Do you know of a romantic spot in the Tampa Bay area? Share with our readers in the comments section.